Officer assaulted during booking

LAURINBURG – A Laurinburg police officer was assaulted Friday while trying to book an arrestee.

Cientelle Covington, 29, of Gibson was charged with assault on a government official and trespassing and given a $1,000 secured bond.

Officer W. McIlwain responded to Beta Street in reference to an argument. While officers were on scene, the home owner asked Covington to leave and he refused, according to Patrol Capt. Terry Chavis. McIlwain took Covington into custody.

At the magistrate’s office Covington refused to cooperate. The magistrate instructed McIlwain to take him to booking to be charged.

“When they got to booking he was being searched and broke away and lunged at McIlwain grabbing him by the neck and attempting to choke him,” Chavis said.

Covington was quickly subdued and the officer swore out a warrant for assault against him.